Wow, quite interesting. I guess we’ll see what happens…
http://www.wsmv.com/news/21641962/detail.html
November 17, 2009
Federal agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service raided Gibson’s guitar factory on Massman Drive.
Gibson Guitar said in a press release Tuesday it is “fully cooperating with agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in connection with an issue involving harvested wood.”
There are accusations the company has been illegally harvesting a type of wood from Madagascar, sending it to Germany and then importing it to the United States.
“They’ve had a change of government over there, and the new government appears to be rather corrupt and is working with anyone who will rape the environment for a quick profit and give them kickbacks, is the way it looks,” said George Gruhn, who runs a downtown Nashville guitar store.
Channel 4’s sources said the investigation centers around whether Gibson used illegally harvested endangered species of rosewood and ebony wood.
“I’m really rather befuddled by this whole situation,” said Gruhn. “Gibson has an extremely good track record on environmental and conservation issues.”
According to the Nashville Post, agents carted away boxes of wood, guitars, computers and boxes of files Tuesday from the company’s factory.
Gibson said Tuesday that it is a “chain of custody certified buyer who purchases wood from legal suppliers who are to follow all standards.”
The company said it will continue to cooperate fully and assist the federal government in the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s office said no charges have been filed.
In 2003, Gibson announced it would use “smart wood,” which is harvested from well-managed certified forests.
Gibson has been headquartered in Nashville since 1984 and specializes in the manufacturing of acoustic and electric guitars. The company also makes pianos through its Baldwin brand.
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